[Music]Junkexx's Unoffical Guide to Music, For those who are new to RPG Maker VX. Options

[Kuma-san]

~Junkexx's Unoffical Guide to Music~

Before we get started, I want to explain why this is on a forum and not a tutorial sheet.
Why? Because I wanted feedback on this, and plus questions about this topic could be displayed to the public so you can get anwsers from other people just in case I wouldn't be able to solve any of them. Also this guide is aimed towards though who are new to RPG Maker VX.

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Welcome all to Junkexx's Unoffical Guide to Music! In this forum guide, I will talk about the following;

• -Types of Audio Files.
• -How to import music.
• And
• -How to make MIDI, or MP3 files for RPG Maker VX.

So then lets get started, shall we?

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-Types of Audio Files-

Overview: In this section we will learn about different audio files, and their properties.

~MIDI Sequence (File Type; .mid, .midi)~
The MIDI sequence is a unique kind of file. It has the abilty to loop over and over again (in RPG Maker VX that is!) which me a song could actually go on forever. For this reason the MIDI sequence is the best type of audio file to use for BGM (backround music). Now there is a couple of set backs for the MIDI Sequence. First of all MIDI files have low sizes compared to MP3 files, which in return means low quailty. Not that it really matters, it's just something I wanted to point out. Also MIDI files are somewhat rescricted, since some programs do not support MIDI-type files. (Example: Sony Vegas nor Windows Moive Maker do not support the file type). Other wise MIDI-type files should be your first stop for BGM in your game due to its abilty to auto-loop in the game.

~MPEG-3, AKA: MP3 (File Type: .mp3)~
MPEG-3 (also know as MP3 for short) as a good advantage, high quality. Which means your players are treated to easy-to-listen music! Awsome, right? Sort of. Now MP3 files are O.K. for using in your iPod or PSP but not so much in RPG Maker VX. First of if a MP3 file's size is to high, it needs to be downgraded before you can play it on RPG Maker VX. Another reason is that MP3 files do not loop so good. Once the song is done, there is a pause before it starts again! That's why I recommend MIDI files for BGM music. So how often should you use a MP3-type file in your game, rarely. Since there can be problems with using this file (high file sizes, pause in looping) it should be used rarely unless you really want it in your game.

~OGG Vorbis (File Type: .ogg)~
OGG Vorbis? What's that? Its a file type that is used rarely, that is you can use a lot of time in RPG Maker VX. It is used a lot for SE (sound effects)
and BGS (backround song remeber). Now time for setbacks. First of all this is an EXTREMELY RESCRICTED FILE TYPE. In fact QuickTime Player, or Windows Media Player do not reconize this file type, so you can't really preview these before with something than RPG Maker VX. Also the OGG Vorbis file type is sort of like a compresed file. Also like the MIDI-type file this can be auto-looped. But it's recommened for BGS and SE.

~Wave Sound (File Type: .wav)~
Think of the Wave Sound-type files like a mix of mp3 and MIDI Sequence. Wave files are plain and simple, and should be used for voice recording, so that way your game has voice acting (think: Final Fantasy X or Persona 3). To create one (on Windows!) left click on your desktop, and then scroll down to 'New' then click on "Wave Sound". And (tada) there it is a Wave file pops up. When you open it nothing will play, so you should right-click on it and press record. And there you have it.

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~How to Import Music into RPG Maker VX~

Overview: In this section will tell you how to import audio files into RPG Maker VX.

O.K. so now that we have an audio file we want in the game, but how? Simple. IMPORT IT. The following steps will tell you how.

Step 1: First open your RPG Maker VX project, now find "Resource Manager" in the top bar. View picture for Step 1 HERE.

Step 2: Click on it, and the Resource Manager should open. View picture for Step 2 HERE.

Step 3: Now go down to Audio\BGM, Audio\BGS, Audio\ME, or Audo\SE. (Depending on what your looking to import.) Now click on one of those selections and click "Import". Now an Windows Explorer screen should pop up. View picture for Step 3 HERE.

Step 4: Now find your audio file using the explorer. Once you find it select it and click "Open".

Step 5: O.K. now it should be in the resource manager under where you selected it to go. If you want to make sure it was imported sucessfully. Use the sound test to do so.

And there you have it.

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-How to Make your Own Audio Files for RPG Maker VX-

Overview: In this section we will talk about how to make your own audio files for RPG Maker VX.

*GASP* My own muisc really? Yes. This section is for those who don't like the music that comes with RPG Maker VX, also some experance is needed with FL Studio 8, or some other kind of music maker.

Step 1: Now your going to need a music maker. My choice is the awsome FL Studio 8. Download it HERE.
( I'm not going into detail on how to use FL Studio 8, that is on your own. But I can tell you how to turn your music into a file type.)

Step 2: Once your music is done on FL Studio 8, go to "File" and then select "Export" and select your file type. This will turn your song into the selected file type. View picture for Step 2 HERE.

Step 3: Now you have to import it into RPG Maker VX, use the steps I listed in the previous section.

And there you have it! Your own music in RPG Maker VX.
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That's it for the guide, please comment on the guide and tell me what you think. If you have any questions please post them so I can awnser them.

This post has been edited by Junkexx: Aug 13 2008, 05:25 PM

[AnimeSnave]

Good job! This will definitely help the beginners out there! I have always wondered what to use for making midis as I just stick with the standard Noteworthy composer Thanks I'll try it out!

[Kuma-san]

Good job! This will definitely help the beginners out there! I have always wondered what to use for making midis as I just stick with the standard Noteworthy composer Thanks I'll try it out!

Thanks!
Anyway, there is some downsides on using FL Studio 8 . Such as not being able to save your work unless you have a reigstered version of it. And there is a steep learning curve to it too. But one thing is that you dont have to download all of the plugins, but I do recommened Deckadance since its fun to play around with (it like your own personal DJ station!) but do not install Collab since it only works with a reigstered version of FL Studio.

Oh yeah, where can I get that "Noteworthy Composer"?


quick[EDIT]: I might be making another one of these. Only it would be about eventing.


FUN FACT!: THIS GUIDE TOOK ME TWO HOURS TO MAKE!

This post has been edited by Junkexx: Aug 13 2008, 04:51 PM

[Kogi]

Very useful

[HeroOfHyla]

This belongs in Tutorials. Moving.

[Kuma-san]

This belongs in Tutorials. Moving.

Thanks for moving it! Long people can post the opionons, and questions, I don't mind.




<-------------A tradgey....

This post has been edited by Junkexx: Aug 13 2008, 05:15 PM

[AnimeSnave]

Haha so it got moved eh

But Noteworthy Composer is a very... Hmm, how do I describe it? It's a very basic program which I mainly use for quickly editing some midis. Definitely not worth the hassle of making a full-fledged midi in it. I can't remember where I found it but I am sure if you google it, you will find it

As for events, that would be awesome because I am still learning about them!

And another thing...OMG it took you two hours to make!? Whoooaaa!

This post has been edited by AnimeSnave: Aug 13 2008, 05:17 PM

[Kuma-san]

Haha so it got moved eh Tough luck!

No, I had a feeling this would happen. (Guess I'm psyhic, huh?)

And about Notewothy, I don't know about using now . Mostly cause I thought it was a full fleged MIDI Sequence maker....
In that case you should use FL Studio since it can make OGG Vorbises too! So not only use it for just MIDI use it for OGGs to.

This post has been edited by Junkexx: Aug 13 2008, 05:24 PM

[Ninjuit]

You should have put the topic here in the first place. Stating why you put something in the wrong place isn't going to make it right.

Anyway This is a good tutorial and is good reference for beginner Rmers

[Kuma-san]

You should have put the topic here in the first place. Stating why you put something in the wrong place isn't going to make it right.

Reason For Posting it in Wrong Place:
Really this tutorial was to go to rpgmakervx.net. But since it was down I posted it to here (tough luck). I was not to familar to this place so that's why I posted it where I did. Sorry.

This post has been edited by Junkexx: Aug 13 2008, 05:30 PM

[AnimeSnave]

Yeah NC really won't be as good as FL studio I guarantee it. It's more of a quick fix for a midi although you can make your own. I would say it's more of a beginner's thing really.... I will definitely try out FL as it sounds great! (Although I can't arrange music for my life!)

[Kuma-san]

... I will definitely try out FL as it sounds great! (Although I can't arrange music for my life!)

If you need help go with using FL Studio 8 go to YouTube and search "FL Studio 8 Tutorial."


quick[EDIT]: On second though those tutorials explain FL Studio 8 XXL (A pimped out version of the orignal FL Studio, which costs a lot, and has a lot of more stuff than the orginal!). If it comes down to it, I might make a tutorial for it. IF it comes down to it.

This post has been edited by Junkexx: Aug 13 2008, 05:41 PM

[AnimeSnave]

Thanks a lot! I'll be sure to look at it! I'm sure it will help considering my music ends up just being a string of notes with no pattern or direction

[dragndude9]

Good job! This will definitely help the beginners out there! I have always wondered what to use for making midis as I just stick with the standard Noteworthy composer Thanks I'll try it out!

If it halps to influence your decision, I use Anvil Studio. It's free, and you've already seen what it can do.

[Kuma-san]

Thanks a lot! I'll be sure to look at it! I'm sure it will help considering my music ends up just being a string of notes with no pattern or direction

Lol this happens to me too.

REASON WHY:

It will always loop, no matter what you. I would recommened using a "Piano Roll".

Also HERE is an example of a song a made with FL Studio 8 (DO NOT USE THIS SONG IN YOUR GAME WITHOUT CREDITING ME!!!!!!).

Also if you think you had it rough, I learned all by my self how to use it (after I found out have of the tutorials on YouTube were for FL Studio 8 XXL).


quick[EDIT]: Ok guys, I'm getting off for the night, but keep posting. Remember if you have any questions POST THEM!!!!!!

quick[EDIT]2: Oh yeah, FL Studio 8 is a huge program, if you want to use something else like Anvil Studio you can. Also if you think you found something better then FL Studio 8 please post it!

This post has been edited by Junkexx: Aug 13 2008, 05:54 PM

[AnimeSnave]

Good job! This will definitely help the beginners out there! I have always wondered what to use for making midis as I just stick with the standard Noteworthy composer Thanks I'll try it out!

If it halps to influence your decision, I use Anvil Studio. It's free, and you've already seen what it can do.

Oh is that what you used! I will definitely look into it then! (Again, thank you for the midi! It's already in my game ^^) How hard would you say it is to learn it?

[justmashu]

Aw, I thought I might finally find out how to loop OGG's. Darn!

[Kuma-san]

Aw, I thought I might finally find out how to loop OGG's. Darn!

Lucky for you RPG Maker VX automactly loop OGG-type files. In fact RPG Maker VX loops ANY TYPE OF FILE! (That only applys to BGM and BGS.)

Also I forgot to mention (in the guide) about Windows Media Audio (File Type .wma) So I will mention it in this post;

Windows Media Auido (File Type- .wma)

There's not a lot to say about this file type. Only that it is a Windows version of an MP3-type file, usually with smaller file types. Which means they really don't have to be downgraded before importing (unless the size is really high) but can suffer from a pause between looping. Also this is a rare type of file to come by since it died out. Why did it die out? Because the WMA-type file was replaced by the MP3-type file.

quick[EDIT]:

Oh is that what you used! I will definitely look into it then! (Again, thank you for the midi! It's already in my game ^^) How hard would
you say it is to learn it?

-It was somewhat hard, in fact let this guy explain. (QUOTE TAKEN FROM DOWNLOAD.COM!)

On the other hand, I did say it has a sharp learning curve. If you are not prepared to spend a lot of time learning how a real music studio works, then don't bother. The only help you'll get is from online tutorials. There is no 'easy' mode, no cut-and-paste instant-music here, jack. This is real music making, and if total immersion isn't your thing, this program isn't for you. Otherwise, don't be scared off by the trial-and-error process. It is well worth going through.

That quote pretty much sums it up for FL Studio 8's difficulty, like the quote states this aint just a MIDI sequence maker its a full-fleged, music maker.

Also GarageBand works just has fine, just find some way to get it into Windows.

This post has been edited by Junkexx: Aug 14 2008, 05:46 AM

[Chrisy__1]

Thanks for this. But if I wanted to change the Game's opening music, which sound section would I install it too.

[Kuma-san]

Thanks for this. But if I wanted to change the Game's opening music, which sound section would I install it too.

You would install it to BGM, make sure to use a MIDI-tpye file, since they loop perfectly and can go on forever.